New Zealand

I am happy to be able to represent Chris Dore on my website, one of New Zealand`s best guides! Feel free to contact me or him directly for bookings. To contact me please email fill in the contact form at the end of this page or email me on fantasticmrtrout@gmail.com

Chris Dore

Join internationally recognized fly fishing guide and writer, Chris Dore for an experience on some of the world’s finest trout streams, where he will introduce you to the superbly conditioned brown and rainbow trout which abound in Southland’s unparalleled waters.

The rivers you have dreamt about are Chris’s home waters, and his much sought after local knowledge and many years of exploration will ensure that your visit is a memorable one.

As an FFF Certified Casting Instructor and member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association, Chris is the obvious choice for an unforgettable foray into the worlds premier fly fishing destination.

About Southland

Southland is home to more rivers and streams than any other province in New Zealand. Blessed with an abundance of productive spring creeks, freestone rivers, rain fed streams and lakes of many sizes, the Southland angler never has to travel far to experience a diverse range of waters, and these are the basis for some of the worlds finest trout fishing.

It is the trout these waters hold, both rainbow, and predominantly brown, which gives the Southland region its reputation as New Zealand’s premier fly-fishing destination. The skilful sight fishing and ‘match the hatch’ techniques required to catch these fish draw much international interest , and many anglers visit in search of the ultimate fly-fishing experience. While many of our rivers do not support the sheer numbers of fish found in many American waters, the opportunity to spot and stalk individual trout more than compensates for quantity. This is akin to hunting; we stalk, locate and cast to trout in their natural environment, where stealth and presentation mean everything.

Many of these fish are large – a 6-pound (circa 24-inch) trout will fail to raise the eyebrows of an initiated local – although many would put the average size of the trout that we encounter at around 3 pound (18inches). With the wide variety of waters available throughout the wider Queenstown area, both backcountry and local there are more than enough angler days to fish each day of the season without covering the same productive beat twice!

Trip Options

Local rivers

Dozens of rivers and streams are accessible by 4WD as daytrips, half day trips, or included in a multi-day itinerary. No matter what the conditions or the weather, Chris is one of the few who can always find you fishable water.

A typical day involves being picked up from your accommodation at a prearranged time, driving to our destination by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle and sampling some of NZ’s finest small stream fly fishing The average day allows for 8 hours fishing time, although one will never be pulled off the river if Chris thinks an evening hatch is imminent. Travelling times to our fishing areas vary depending on conditions, though are generally between 50 minutes to 2 hours drive time each way.

Heli-fishing options available.

Multi day safari

Probably the best way to experience the wide variety of fishing that Southland has on offer is a multi-day trip where you hit the road staying close to the areas being fished at a selection of cabins, farmstays, hotels, and bed & breakfasts. This reduces travelling time maximizes the time spent fishing, and provides more flexibility for dealing with adverse weather conditions. Ask Chris about his backcountry campouts and car camping experiences.

Wilderness, Helicopter Accessed Fly Fishing

Go remote, into waters rarely fished by the majority of anglers with a Heli Fishing Adventure. Heli fishing isn’t necessarily about finding larger trout, or bigger numbers of fish. It is all about getting into truly remote waters and experiencing the challenge of deceiving wild brown and rainbow trout in the breathtaking surrounds of inaccessible mountain valleys and gin clear waters. Available as a day trip, or incorporated into a multi day itinerary with camp out options. Price varies with flight duration and a quote can be arranged on application.

Introduction to Double Handed fly fishing

Double Handed rods are a great way to get big flies deep, and open up the potential of our larger rivers. Let Chris introduce you to the art of Spey casting on the renowned, big-water rainbow trout fishery of the Upper Clutha.

Using 11’ two-handed Switch rods, Chris will introduce you to the fundamentals of spey casting, and effective techniques to maximize the potential of large water fisheries.

The skills you will learn are readily transferable to any big water fishery, such as NZ’s famed Tongariro river, or the large, braided waters of the Canterbury region, as well as many steelhead waters of Canada, the United States and BC. Check out Chris two handed fly fishing page here: http://www.chrisdore.com/twohand.htm

We actively promote 100% catch and release. Take nothing but photographs: leave nothing but footprints.

Rates and Booking

A guided day Includes:

A full days professional guiding and FFF Certified tuition with a licensed New Zealand Professional Guide (around 10 hours from pick up to drop off)

DOC concessions, and applicable insurances for enhanced access to national parks and public lands

Quality fly rods, reels, flies and associated equipment as required

An unbeatable learning experience upon some of the worlds finest trout streams.

NZD $850 per day. Maximum 2 anglers for safety and logistical reasons.
A New Zealand freshwater fishing license can be arranged by your guide, but is not included in the fee.

Due to the demand for Chris’s services it is advisable to book early, to secure your choice of dates.

Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of a 30% non refundable deposit of the total guiding fee for trips of two days or more in duration, or 50% on a single day adventure.

For cancellations within 10 days of the trip date payment is required in full.

Disclaimer

Chris Dore reserves the right to cut short, cancel or postpone any trip if he considers conditions to be unsafe.

Whilst we are guides, we are not gods and thus cannot control the weather. It is very rare for us to cancel a day due to inclement weather, and we pride ourselves on our knowledge of our waters, and a variety of cutting edge techniques to give you the best opportunities on the day.

Fishing in New Zealand can take anglers into some of the worlds most wild and isolated terrain, and while Chris endeavours to provide a professional and experienced service, he can accept no liability for any injuries, medical conditions, losses or claims of any kind or nature. We advise all international travellers to hold travel insurance.

Safety

Chris carries both a cellular phone and 406 MHZ Personal Locator Beacon registered with Maritime NZ to ensure that if help is required, fast, efficient assistence is close to hand. Chris also operates under a professional Safety and Risk Management plan as documented by the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Assn and approved by Occupational Health and Safety NZ (OSH). Combined with Chris’ extensive outdoors experience and comprehensive training you can be confident you are in capable hands.